Editing Editing is joining shots of film together to make a meaningful sequence.

Styles of Editing REALISM -- CLASSICISM -- FORMALISM __________________________________ Sequence Cutting Classical Shots - to - Cutting - Montage Continuity

I. Sequence Shots Short events photographed in long shot in a single take. The earliest films were unedited sequence shots. (Arrival of a Train)Arrival of a Train

A. The Extended Take The extended take is a single, uninterrupted shot in a film which lasts much longer than the conventional editing pace either of the film itself or of films in general, usually lasting several minutes. Although little to no editing is used, they can be very difficult, and require perfect timing. Watch: GoodfellasGoodfellas

II. Continuity Editing By early 20th C, filmmakers had devised an early form of editing called cutting to continuity. Cutting to Continuity tries to preserve the fluidity of an event without showing all of it. Editing attempts to be seamless and unnoticeable.

A. Parallel Editing Continuity Editing often uses parallel editing to show the viewer what is happening in two different places at the same time.

B. Cross Cutting Parallel editing uses cross cutting – the alternation of shots from two different locals - to suggest two events are taking place at the same time. Watch: Continuity Editing in V for VendettaContinuity Editing in V for Vendetta

C. Establishing Shot Usually an extreme long shot or a long shot used at the beginning of the story or scene. Makes transitions between scenes smooth; providing context for the viewer. Watch: The Shining

III. Classical Cutting Editing determined by a scene’s dramatic and emotional emphasis rather than by physical action alone (cutting to continuity). Plays with time, space, and cuts that show and cause/effect relationship. Often breaks continuity rules (180 rule, establishing shots), and may be confusing for the viewer. Watch: Do The Right Thing

A. Slow Motion Slows down time and movement Produces a dreamy, dance-like slowness

B. Juxtaposition Places two shots side-by-side for purposes of contrast or comparison. Shots are of totally different things; joining them links them symbolically.

C. Jump Cut An abrupt transition between shots. Plunges the viewer into a totally different time and place. Can be deliberately disorienting. Watch: Erin Brockovich

IV. Montage A sequence of rapidly edited images. Can be used to show a passage of time (training sequence). Can be used more formalistically to suggest chaos, disorientation, etc. Watch: Team America

SOUND

Music Used in film to establish tone, period, ethnicity, and/or locale. Often used for characterization Can control shifts in emotion.

Sound Effects The function of sound effects is primarily atmospheric, but they can also be a source of meaning. High pitches create tension. Low pitches create a feeling of calm or solemnity. Silence can create a feeling of eeriness.

Voiceovers Spoken commentary in a movie Often used to convey a character’s thoughts or memories. Can also be used to establish who is telling the story.

What Sound Can Do Scary Mary